Although more women are making their mark in the local tech scene, there’s still more to be done to close the gender gap.
A recent diversity report by Girls In Tech found that women only occupy about 25% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) jobs in Singapore, and account for just 30% of entrepreneurs across tech and non tech roles.
PayPal wants to do their part to change this.
Yesterday (20 August 2019), they launched their Women Luminaries Program to empower female students who are passionate about technology to pursue a career in the field.
PayPal says the initiative “strives to dispel stereotypes surrounding the industry, correct the current gender imbalance and nurture talent”.
In its first instalment, the program will identify female students who “demonstrate a keen interest and aptitude to build a career in tech”, from participating local universities Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore Management University (SMU) and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).
Three students will be chosen yearly, one each from school, to receive a one-time scholarship of $12,000 and an opportunity for an internship at PayPal.
Along with that, they will also get access to PayPal’s network of mentors and industry experts for career guidance, and be invited to attend exclusive technical workshops, events, courses offered to PayPal employees.
“Gender diversity and inclusion plays a huge role in PayPal’s core values, and we are committed to creating an environment where individuals of diverse backgrounds are welcomed,” said PayPal Singapore Development Center Director Jerry Tso.
“With our expertise and network, PayPal is in the position to offer these opportunities and build Singapore’s next generation of fintech talent that will see women on par with men in the industry in every aspect,” he added.
Students from NTU, SMU and SUTD can already begin applying for the program, which is open to Singaporeans and PRs.
Applicants must currently be in their second or third year of studies in computer science, computer engineering or related courses to be eligible, and will be chosen for showing “strong capabilities to innovate and contribute to the tech industry”.
Find out more about PayPal’s Women Luminaries Program here.
Featured Image Credit: Mimi Thian, Unsplash
